Sydney, Apr 24: Australia, on Wednesday, named Brad Haddin as vice-captain of Test squad for Ashes series against England later this year. Chris Rogers has been recalled while there was no place for Mitchell Johnson.

Left-handed opening batsman Rogers has played just 1 Test, against India in 2008. His experience in English conditions has won him a place.

The five-Test series starts in July. Nathan Lyon is the specialist spinner in the 16-man squad while from the squad that lost 0-4 to India, Glenn Maxwell and Moises Henriques have been axed. Steve Smith and Xavier Doherty also missed out.

Commenting on the Ashes squad, National Selector John Inverarity said: "There is no bigger series or rivalry in world cricket than the Ashes and the NSP has picked a squad of 16 that will give us the best possible chance of winning in English conditions."

"You will immediately see that Brad Haddin has come in as vice-captain. The CA Board approved the NSP's recommendation that Brad take up the vice-captaincy," he added.

He continued: "In regards to the vice-captaincy, we feel it's important to have a senior, seasoned player support Michael at this time. When Shane Watson advised of his decision to stand down, the NSP viewed Brad as the exceptional candidate to step into this leadership void.

On the new members in the squad and Rogers, Inverarity said: "New members to the group include Chris Rogers and James Faulkner, while Ryan Harris returns from a long absence from international cricket. Chris Rogers is a hardened first-class cricketer and has been given a deserved opportunity on the back of sustained run-scoring in both Australia and England over many seasons.

"He has vast experience in the UK and has performed outstandingly well over there; during the past four seasons in England, between 2009 and 2012, he has scored more than 5,000 first-class runs at an average of 52.3, including 17 centuries and 21 fifties."

Inverarity said they were looking forward to have the services of Watson, the bowler.

"Shane Watson is on track and very keen to bowl during the series and we look forward to his all-round contribution. Without the extra burden of the vice-captaincy, he will be able to focus 100% on his batting and bowling."